According to a US prosecutor, officials had contacted the Prince’s lawyers and asked to interview him. Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Geoffrey Berman said the royal has so far made no contact with US officials involved in the case.

Mr Berman said: “To date, Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation.”

Buckingham Palace has not commented on the news, although Prince Andrew last year said he would help law enforcement agencies if asked.

His decision was announced shortly after a BBC Newsnight interview where he was asked about his relationship with Epstein. 

At the time, the Duke of York said he was stepping down for the “foreseeable future”.

Andrew also offered to cooperate with officials in their investigations as he stated he would “help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations if required”.

In a statement, he said: “It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.

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“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.

“I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein.

“His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.

“I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives.

“Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”

More to follow…